Netanyah sets date for the military operation in Rafah

“Today I received a detailed report on the talks in Cairo, we are constantly working to achieve our goals, primarily the release of all hostages and the achievement of a full victory over Hamas,” said Netanyahu in a video message posted on the X social media platform, once Twitter.

Netanyah reiterated that victory over Hamas militants “requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of terrorist battalions there. This is going to happen and we have set a date,” said Netanyahu, but not to mention any timeline.

Israeli army is continuing its mission to destroy Hamas

Israeli Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner also told DW, that the Israeli army is continuing its mission for the dissolution and destruction of Hamas as government authority at the Gaza Strip.

“We know that there are still at least six Hamas operational battalions,”, he said, adding that four of them operate in the Rafah area and two more in central Gaza. “If we want to be successful in the breakup of Hamas, we must go to Rafah”, the spokesman said.

Operation another type

According to Lerner in Rafah, another type of operation will be needed, including both precise air strikes and ground operations based on intelligence and operational flexibility.

He said the Israeli army is approaching Hamas' dissolution every day and more. “This is the number one goal, along with the goal of number two to restore hostages home,” said the spokesman.

The Israeli Army spokeswoman also added that the quick solution does not and that “will take the time we need until we reach our goals”.

Strong Objections From International Allies

Israel's plans for Rafah's conquest were met with strong objections from international allies due to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

More than 1 million Palestinians have currently been sheltered in Rafah because of fighting in other areas in the Gaza Strip. /DW